Skip the coffee shop and make your own homemade cake donuts right in your kitchen! These baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, not fried – A healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Soft & fluffy texture – Thanks to buttermilk, these donuts stay moist and tender.
- Rich chocolate glaze – A smooth, sweet coating that takes them to the next level.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (start with 2, add more if needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Make the Donuts:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients – Pour in the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Beat until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fill the donut pan – Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool the donuts – Let them sit in the pan for 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- Sift together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder in a medium bowl.
- Add milk and vanilla, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed.
Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip the top of each donut into the chocolate glaze.
- Let set on parchment paper for a few minutes until the glaze firms up.
- Enjoy fresh! These donuts are best eaten the same day.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
Variations
- Vanilla Glaze – Replace cocoa powder with powdered sugar and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – Skip the glaze and coat warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Chocolate Chip Donuts – Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Peanut Butter Glaze – Mix ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons milk.
- Sprinkle Topping – Dip in glaze and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, but allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and bake for 10-12 minutes, then cut out the center after baking.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
How do I prevent my donuts from being dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.
Why is my glaze too thick?
Add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake immediately, but you can store the batter in the fridge for 1-2 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have confectioners’ sugar for the glaze?
Blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine, or make a simple chocolate ganache instead.
Can I fry this batter instead of baking?
No, this batter is specifically designed for baking. For fried donuts, a yeast-based dough works best.
How can I make these donuts extra moist?
Using full-fat buttermilk and not overbaking will keep them soft and moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake in batches if using a single donut pan.
Conclusion
These baked cake donuts with chocolate glaze are a delicious, homemade alternative to store-bought donuts. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Try them fresh, experiment with toppings, and enjoy a bakery-style treat right at home!
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Skip the coffee shop and make these easy homemade baked cake donuts! Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these donuts are topped with a rich chocolate glaze for an irresistible treat. No frying required—just bake, dip, and enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk (add more if needed for smoothness)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Donuts:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill each donut pan cavity about ⅔ full (do not overfill).
- Bake for 7-9 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Let cool in the pan for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, sift together confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder.
- Using an electric mixer, slowly add milk and vanilla, beating on low speed until smooth and pourable.
3. Glaze the Donuts:
- Gently dip one side of each donut into the chocolate glaze.
- Place on parchment paper and let the glaze set.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- No buttermilk? Use ¾ cup whole milk mixed with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Want more toppings? Sprinkle with crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut before the glaze sets.
- Storage Tip: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
